Stories from Tuesday, July 3, 2012

ST. LOUIS (AP) -- St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Chris Carpenter will undergo season-ending surgery to repair a nerve issue in his shoulder that has sidelined him since spring training. The 37-year-old Carpenter wants to continue pitching. He's been told the surgery to relieve compressed nerves in the shoulder could allow him to resume his career, although there are no guarantees...

CHARLESTON, Mo. -- A no-burn order has been issued for Mississippi County, Mo., and portions of southern Scott County, Mo., in effect until further notice, according to a news release. Open burning, as well as the use of fireworks, is prohibited under the order...

Prosecutors on Monday filed first-degree robbery charges in a 30-year-old case against a Cape Girardeau man who was convicted of raping a 15-year-old girl in 1982. Charles Eugene O'Howell, 50, on Feb. 10, 1982, broke into a Cape Girardeau home and stole $50 from the resident at gunpoint, according to a warrant for his arrest...

B&L Coins and Collectibles was apparently hit by thieves for the third time in less than a year when someone broke in and stole jewelry from the business early Sunday morning. Cape Girardeau Police spokesman Darin Hickey said police responded to the store at 85 S. Plaza Way around 6:15 a.m. Sunday for an alarm sounding and upon arriving found a damaged front door...

U.S. Rep. Jo Ann Emerson sent a letter Monday to USDA secretary Tom Vilsack urging him to designate Southern Missouri counties experiencing extreme drought as disaster areas. Emerson in her letter highlighted the toll the drought is having on local farmers...

POPLAR BLUFF, Mo. -- When Southeast Missouri residents travel the highways for the Fourth of July, they won't be alone. Today and Sunday, Troop E of the Missouri State Highway Patrol will take part in the 20-Mile Trooper Project. According to Captain George E. ...

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- Missouri officials have overstated the economic benefit of the state's main job-incentive program and have been "woefully inadequate" in verifying businesses are following through on what they say they will do, the state auditor said Monday...

A June meeting between U.S. Rep. Jo Ann Emerson and law enforcement personnel frightened the lawmaker. The use of bath salts in south central Missouri was becoming an epidemic, Rolla, Mo., Police Chief Mark Kearse, told her. "On the way back, I stopped at a sketchy convenience store," Emerson said. "I went in to find the gum I wanted. There on the left, in this glass case, are bath salts...

The Cape Girardeau County Commission unanimously appointed members of a number of volunteer advisory boards Monday, but attempts to fill spots on the Cape Girardeau Board of Developmental Disabilities raised the suggestion of county manipulation and discussions about conflicts of interest that tabled action until a future meeting...

Did it really need it or did the new Isle of Capri casino prompt it? Both, says assistant city manager Kelly Green. The Cape Girardeau City Council on Monday night authorized a roughly $300,000 contract to resurface Main Street, from Broadway north almost to the front door of the still-under-construction casino...

BENTON, Mo. -- Scott County has opened several cooling centers for public use in response to prolonged high temperatures in the area. Locations include: the Chaffee Senior Center at 800 S. Main St., Chaffee; Miner Baptist Church, 416 Route H, Miner; Scott City Senior Center, 104 W. Hickory Drive, Scott City; Sikeston Nutrition Center and Sikeston Senior Center, 305 Cresap St., Sikeston; and the Sikeston Public Library, 121 E. North St., Sikeston...

Visit the USA Veterans 4th of July Celebration at the AC Brase Arena in Cape Girardeau and take a chance to Dunk A Tea Bag! Mad at your local Republican?!? START THROWING!! Had it with the Democrats?!? START THROWING!! Haven't heard of the Libertarian and Constitution Party?!? START THROWING!!...

A photo of 630 North Street this year as owners Steven Williams and John David Perry prepared to host The Vandivort Family 55th 4th of July Family reunion.

The Vandivorts gathering in 1972 for their annual 4th of July Family reunion. This year they were invited to again revisit the home by the new owners: Steven Williams and John David Perry.

The Parthenon atop the acropolis in Athen's, Greece. Amazing constuction for 2500 years ago.

Since Saturday, there's been no water coming through Stanley Moore's taps. "I guess we'll just have to start carrying it in," Moore said Monday, not knowing when the well on his property will again be able to provide water to the house he shares with his son on County Road 244 north of Delta...

Andrew Ralls, D.O. of Cape Girardeau, MO graduated on June 2, 2012 from the Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine (VCOM) in Blacksburg, Virginia with the Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree (D.O.). Dr. Ralls received his undergraduate degree in Biology from Southeast Missouri State University in 2007...

Despite drought conditions, the cities of Cape Girardeau and Jackson both plan to go forward with their Fourth of July fireworks displays. Randy Davis, assistant fire chief at the Jackson Fire Department, said the display will continue as normal. A brush truck, as well as two fire engines and Jackson firefighters will be on standby at Jackson City Park...

STE. GENEVIEVE, Mo. -- Authorities say a construction worker was killed in an eastern Missouri freeway work zone when a loaded asphalt truck backed over him. The Missouri State Highway Patrol did not immediately identify the man killed at the scene of the accident about 10:45 a.m. Monday on Interstate 55 near Ste. Genevieve...

Butler County authorities are working around the clock to find the man they believe robbed a third convenience store at gunpoint Sunday night, making off with an undetermined amount of money. At 8:16 p.m., a silent alarm went off at Village Express in the 4800 block of West Boulevard, according to Butler County Lt. Brian Evans...

Ongoing Perry County Sheriff's Department narcotics investigations led to charges being filed against seven people last week. Officials charged Donald Wayne Penrose, 28, of Perryville, Mo., with possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute after he sold seven Xanax pills to a confidential informant March 20, according to a probable-cause statement. The transaction took place near the Perryville Country Club, the statement said...

BIXBY, Mo. -- Missouri residents were urged anew Monday to resist setting off fireworks in the wake of grass and timber fires raging throughout much of the rain-starved state and a suspicious fire that blackened hundreds of acres of a national forest...

Route D in Perry County will be reduced to one lane today as Missouri Department of Transportation crews make pavement repairs. This section of road is from Route C to County Road 438. Weather permitting, the work will be done from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m...

A Cape Girardeau man was injured in a traffic accident on North Kingshighway early Tuesday afternoon. An Ameren Missouri truck was southbound in the 100 block of North Kingshighway about 2:20 p.m., when a southbound gray Chevrolet Corsica struck the right front of the truck, said Cape Girardeau police officer David Valentine...

Cape Girardeau's Kent Zickfield has been dedicated to helping his community, his country and his fellow citizens nearly his entire life. "You do the things you do for your community because you love your community. It's never for the recognition," Zickfield said...

Today is Tuesday, July 3, the 185th day of 2012. There are 181 days left in the year. Today's Highlight in History: On July 3, 1962, French President Charles de Gaulle signed an agreement recognizing Algeria as an independent state after 132 years of French rule. (The same day, U.S. President John F. Kennedy sent a congratulatory message to the Algerian people.)...

Nominated by Tom Wilmas My family and I nominate Wayne Wallingford for the Spirit of America Award for 2012 because of his selfless contributions to all Americans and his larger-than-life influence.Wayne's sacrifices to preserve our American heritage began more than 45 years ago in 1970 when he served five tours in Vietnam, where he flew over 300 combat missions and six tours in Desert Storm. ...

After being associated with Pete Poe for a number of years, serving on the Southeast Missouri District Fair Board, I have always found him to be courteous and polite, even under very stressful situations...

If the American spirit is defined as a combination of patriotism, service and faith, then Walt and Norma Wildman are the embodiments of this ideal. As a young man, Walt joined the United States Air Force. ...

Jim Watkins devoted 30 years to making our community better, serving our youth as an educator and public school administrator. His effect on our community was felt and recognized as Jim served in leadership roles through the Missouri State Teachers Association and received honors such as the Outstanding School Administrator Award through the CTA/MSTA in 1985 and the Southeast Missouri Principals Association Award in 1998.

Alice is a registered nurse and has spent most of her career caring for the elderly, helpless and terminally ill patients of our community. She continues to exhibit her love for God's creatures through her tireless work at Safe Harbor Animal Sanctuary.

As you can see, Nancy is very busy with her life. You can ask anyone who knows her and they will tell you that she loves her country and community. She serves her community many way. Here are some more that weren't mentioned. ...

Dorothy Lee Dolle Krueger Points attended May Greene elementary school up through eighth grade, College Hill School with the Southeast Missouri State College from ninth to 12th grades and graduated at the age of 16. She attended Southeast Missouri State University in Cape Girardeau.

After much thought, it is our privilege to nominate Kenneth Haas for the Spirit of America Award. Throughout his 90 years, Kenny has undoubtedly exemplified a true American in several ways.

Kent Zickfield is deserving of the Spirit of America award because of his strong dedication, leadership and determination as he has worked in our community and especially in downtown revitalization efforts.

Tomorrow Americans will gather for parades, barbecues, horseshoes and washers games and, of course, fireworks. But as we celebrate, let us also take time to remember the sacrifice many have and are currently making to keep our country free. We often recite the Pledge of Allegiance, but its words are worth repeating:...

The following Letter to the Editor was sent in response to the story "Cape Girardeau residents mark founder's death":While it was good to see coverage of the Bicentennial Commemorative Celebration of Cape Girardeau's Founders, presented by the Red House Interpretive Center, I'm sorry to say that the article was lacking in the historical value of the ceremony...

On June 15, certain gay and lesbian activists were invited to the White House for a celebration of gay pride. While there, some of the invited guests had their photos taken beneath the presidential portraits of Ronald Reagan and George W. Bush. In their pose, they engaged in an embrace and kiss, while raising their fists with the middle finger upright and extended toward the portraits. ...

Daughter to Robert Emil Stueve and Chandra Ranae Miller of Perryville, Mo., Saint Francis Medical Center, 8:28 a.m. Thursday, June 21, 2012. Name, Macie Paige. Weight, 8 pounds, 9 ounces. Third child, second daughter. Ms. Miller is the former Chandra Mansfield, daughter of Amelia Mansfield of Cape Girardeau, and the late Garry Mansfield. ...

Bob Hope, one of the world's most widely known and admired celebrities, will perform during the grand opening of the Show Me Center in Cape Girardeau; Hope will appear here Aug. 28. A group of unidentified, out-of-town businessmen visit the Cape Girardeau Shopping Centre site, flying in from St. Louis by helicopter; heavy grading work is expected to begin next week on the 67-acre site...

YEAS: Rep. Jo Ann Emerson R-MO (8th), Rep. Sam Graves R-MO (6th), Rep. Vicky Hartzler R-MO (4th), Rep. Billy Long R-MO (7th), Rep. Blaine Luetkemeyer R-MO (9th). NAYS: Rep. Russ Carnahan D-MO (3rd), Rep. Wm. Lacy Clay Jr. D-MO (1st), Rep. Emanuel Cleaver D-MO (5th)...

ST. LOUIS -- Allen Craig hit a pair of home runs, Carlos Beltran extended his RBI streak to a major-league high nine games and Kyle Lohse worked into the eighth inning of the St. Louis Cardinals' 9-3 victory over the Colorado Rockies on Monday night...

Wayne Steffens of Cape Girardeau carded his third career hole-in-one Friday at Kimbeland Country Club. Steffens used a 6-iron to ace No. 12, a par 3 playing 150 yards. Clint Ruppel, Ray Moore and Gene Garrison witnessed the shot. Bob Burnett and Lachelle Cook joined forces to win the SEMO Horseshoe Association's 15-team tournament at the Leopold Knights of Columbus...

ST. LOUIS -- Lance Berkman expects to be back in the St. Louis Cardinals' lineup soon after the All-Star break. Maybe even the first day back. "Yeah, it's possible," Berkman said Monday after joining the team to continue rehab from a right knee injury. "It wouldn't shock me. I'm not banking on it, but at the same time I'm not ruling it out."...

The U.S. attorney's office released the following information Tuesday for defendants who appeared before U.S. District Judge Stephen N. Limbaugh Jr. Name: Alejandro Cruz-Guzman Residence: Mexico Charges: Re-entry into the United States without permission of the attorney general...

The Jackson Police Department released the following items. Arrests do not imply guilt. Theft Firefighters responded to the following calls Saturday:...

Carolyn Joan Porche, 69, of Jackson passed away Friday, June 29, 2012, at Jackson Manor. She was born Jan. 18, 1943, in Sikeston, Mo., to James David and Saphrey Juanita Pruitt Crawford. Carolyn married Carlton Joseph Porche on June 12, 1965, in Hinesville, Ga...

Lois L. Niswonger, 84, of Cape Girardeau died Saturday, June 30, 2012, at Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis. Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday at Ford and Sons Mount Auburn Funeral Home. The funeral will be at 1 p.m. Friday at Grace United Methodist Church. Burial will be in Cape County Memorial Park...

Raymond E. Myers Jr., 64, of Cape Girardeau died Sunday, July 1, 2012, at Life Care Center. He was born May 6, 1948, in Hannibal, Mo., to Raymond E. and Eugenia Warren Myers. His parents passed away in 2009 and 2010. Ray graduated from Hannibal High School in 1966, and attended Southeast Missouri State University...

PERRYVILLE, Mo. -- Mary E. Meier, 92, of Perryville died Monday, July 2, 2012, at Independence Care Center of Perry County. She was born Oct. 1, 1919, in Perry County, daughter of David Walker and Della Burns Norrington. She and Vallie M. Meier were married Nov. 6, 1937. He preceded her in death Dec. 11, 1989...

MOUNDS, Ill. -- Paul Junior Gibbs, 74, of Mounds, formerly of Jonesboro, Ill., passed away Sunday, July 1, 2012, at Southeast Hospital in Cape Girardeau. He was born Jan. 1, 1938, in Union County, Ill., son of Elmer and Lena Bruner Gibbs. Paul served in the United States Air Force from 1955 to 1963...

LEOPOLD, Mo. — Gary D. Geringer, 67, of Leopold, formerly of Cape Girardeau, died Monday, July 2, 2012, at Saint Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau. Arrangements are incomplete at Liley Funeral Home in Marble Hill, Mo.

SAN JOSE, Calif. -- Hearings in the dispute between Thomas Kinkade's widow and girlfriend over the late artist's $66 million estate will not be conducted behind closed doors -- at least for now, a judge ruled on Monday. Kinkade's widow, Nanette Kinkade, had sought to keep the matter private, asking Judge Thomas Cain to immediately send the case to an arbitration panel and not open probate court...

BEIJING -- Apple has paid $60 million to settle a dispute in China over ownership of the iPad name, a court announced Monday, removing a potential obstacle to sales of the popular tablet computer in the key Chinese market. Apple's dispute with Shenzhen Proview Technology highlighted the possible pitfalls for global companies in China's infant trademark system. It also posed a challenge for the communist government, which wants to attract technology investors to develop China's economy...

BLOOMFIELD TOWNSHIP, Mich. -- With her grandson's terrified screams filling a suburban Detroit courtroom, 74-year-old Sandra Layne sat in a jail jumpsuit Monday as she listened to the teen telling a 911 operator he'd been shot by his grandmother...

Thank you to the volunteers and Saint Francis Medical Center employee that found my car keys recently. Thank you so much. Cemetery upkeep I have lived in Scott City for many years and I have many loved ones who are buried at Lightner Cemetery here in town. ...

As we all prepare to celebrate our Independence Day, we want everyone to have an enjoyable -- but safe -- Fourth of July. Please remember the city of Jackson ordinance that states that "no person under the age of 17 shall possess, discharge, ignite, or explode any article of fireworks unless under the direct supervision of a parent or guardian." Because of the extremely dry conditions, we strongly recommend that people have quick access to water before setting off any fireworks...

CHICAGO -- Even for infants born full-term, a little more time in the womb may matter. The extra time results in more brain development, and a study suggests perhaps better scores on academic tests, too. Full-term is generally between 37 weeks and 41 weeks; newborns born before 37 weeks are called premature and are known to face increased chances for health and developmental problems...

Getting too hot can make you sick. You can become ill from the heat if your body can't compensate for it and properly cool you off. Heat exposure can even kill you: It caused 8,015 deaths in the United States from 1979 to 2003. These are the main things affecting your body's ability to cool itself during extremely hot weather:...

WASHINGTON -- From North Carolina to New Jersey, nearly 1.8 million people still without electricity were asking the same question Monday evening: Why will it take so long to get the lights back on? Nearly three full days after a severe summer storm lashed the East Coast, utilities warned that many neighborhoods could remain in the dark for much of the week, if not beyond...

SIKESTON, Mo. -- Highway 51 from County Road 472 to County Road 470 in Stoddard County will be reduced to one lane as Missouri Department of Transportation crews replace a culvert pipe under the roadway. Weather permitting, the work will take place from 7 to 11 a.m. today. The work zone will be marked with signs. Motorists are urged to use caution while traveling near the area...

O God, today we celebrate freedom; may you continue to bless this nation. Amen.

The Gator Swim Team and coach Steve Franklin have parted ways after an affiliation that lasted nearly nine years. Franklin, who was hired in August 2003, tendered his resignation last week, and the club's board of directors wasted little time taking action...

A shooting on Hanover street late Sunday night sent one man to the hospital. Cape Girardeau Police spokesman Darin Hickey said a 20-year-old man was shot in the leg and had to be taken to a hospital after he became involved in a verbal argument with several people around 11:20 p.m. Sunday...

NAME: Steve Jordan AGE: 54 PLACE OF BIRTH: Marble Hill MO SPOUSE'S, CHILDREN'S NAMES: Darlene Jordan, spouse of 33 years; son Chris Jordan and daughter Amanda Garner, all of Marble Hill. EDUCATION: Graduated from Woodland HS in 1976 then attended TRCC...

NAME: Linda Clark Nash AGE: 62 PLACE OF BIRTH: Bonne Terre, MO SPOUSE, CHILDREN'S NAMES: Philip H. Nash Lori Mahala Williams Isaac G. Nash OCCUPATION: Executive Director EDUCATION: Graduate of Central High School Southeast Missouri State University BS...

NAME: Nick Hendricks AGE: 25 PLACE OF BIRTH: Belleville, IL; Resident of Bollinger County for 24 years SPOUSE'S, CHILDREN'S NAMES: Sara Hendricks; Wife Devin Hendricks; Son Kaydence Hendricks; Daughter EDUCATION: Southeast Missouri State University Major: Business Management, In progress...

NAME: Susan Montee AGE: 52 PLACE OF BIRTH: St. Joseph, MO SPOUSE, CHILDREN'S NAMES: Children: Amanda Montee Andy Montee Austin Montee EDUCATION: Graduated from Bishop LeBlond High School Undergraduate degree in Accounting from Drury College Earned CPA license from Drury (1985)...

NAME: Bob Thrower AGE: 48 PLACE OF BIRTH: Cape Girardeau SPOUSE'S, CHILDREN'S NAMES: Son-Jim Daughter-Lauren EDUCATION: Master's Degree from Central Michigan University Graduate of the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College OCCUPATION: Retired EMPLOYER: None...

NAME: Sharon F. Schuessler AGE: 62 PLACE OF BIRTH: Cape Girardeau, MO. SPOUSE, CHILDREN'S NAMES: Marty Schuessler for 45 years: Daughter Julie Schuessler married to Andrew Peralta; Son Chad Schuessler married to Ashley Bletz and 2 grandchildren Wyatt and Stella Schuessler...

ADVANCE, Mo. -- Sue Robey, 60, of Advance passed away Monday, July 2, 2012, at her home. She was born Oct. 4, 1951, in Camden, Tenn., daughter of Leroy and Ruby Harden Bell. She and Terry Robey were married Sept. 21, 1968, at Avert, Mo. Sue had worked as a cook at Lorch Oil and Rhodes Gas, both in Advance. She attended Bell City High School...

Lois L. Niswonger, 84, of Cape Girardeau passed away Saturday, June 30, 2012, at Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis. She was born July 21, 1927, at Marble Hill, Mo., to Connel Bryan and Mabel Eugenia Luckey Welch. She and Lloyd T. Niswonger were married June 15, 1947, at Grace Methodist Church in Cape Girardeau. They celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary this year...

Dora Esther Mantel, 90, of Jackson passed away Monday, July 2, 2012, at Saint Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau. She was born April 16, 1922, at Morley, Mo., to Ray and Cora Watson Shores. She and C.E. Mantel were married Aug. 22, 1945. He preceded her in death Sept. 19, 1991...

MOUNT VERNON, Mo. -- William E. Fish Jr., 68, of Mount Vernon passed away Sunday, July 1, 2012, in Springfield, Mo. A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday at First Assembly of God Church in Chaffee, Mo. Bill was preceded in death by his parents, the Rev. William E. and Dorothy A. Houseman Fish...

ADVANCE, Mo. -- Joyce Day, 70, of Advance passed away Monday, July 2, 2012, at her home. She was born Dec. 2, 1941, at Senath, Mo., daughter of Arthur Zeno and Azlee Edwards Davis Green. Joyce was a secretary 22 years at Rhodes Oil Co. in Advance. She was a member of Advance Eagles, and attended the Church of Christ...

ANNA, Ill. -- Authorities in Illinois have confirmed that a Mounds, Ill., man died after being struck by a freight train Sunday in Anna.

LEOPOLD, Mo. -- Gary D. Geringer, 67, of Leopold, formerly of Bloomington, Ind., passed away Monday, July 2, 2012, at Saint Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau. He was born Sept. 7, 1944, in Cape Girardeau, son of Sylvester A. and Hannah E. Farmer Geringer. He and Geri Beussink were married April 24, 1971, in Leopold...